Selective signaling system.



i E. R. GILL. Q SELECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED SEPTHL 1908. RENEWED DEC. 13, 1810. v 1,003,250, 1 Patented Sept. 12,1911.

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v Y I F? 1 l i E. R. GILL. SELECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEM. APPLIOATIONIILED SEPT.4,-l908. RENEWED DEO.13, 1910. 1,003,250. Patented Sept. 12,1911.

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9513 Q6 ali'tomm l a/ v E. R. GILL. SELECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEM. H APPLICATION I'ILBD SEPT-.4, 1908. RENEWED DEG. 1.3,,1910.

- Patentd 86101112, 191

3 unit's-sums.

I new and useful Improvement in, Selective ing selective signals produced with a minimum of attentionand party who is called may interrupt the signal preparatory to receiving another.

armature, Fig. 6 isa di tion with any particular system of commu- UNITED STATES oF IoE.

EDWIN a. GILL, 0F YONKERS, NEW YoEK. ASSIGIN'OR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO

HOWARD E. MERRELL, PENNSYLVANIA. SELECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Speeification oi Letters Patent. Patented Sept. 12, 1911. Serial No,'. 4 51,663.

Application filed September 1, 1908, Renewed December 13, 1910. Serial No. 597,148.

T0 allwhom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWIN R. GILL, a c-itizen of the United States, residing. in the city of Yonkers, county of VVestchester, and State of New York, have invented a certain filed Feb. 12th, tion thereof will the application ,provement. At A in Fig. 6 is the train despatchers equipment,- comprising, among other apparatus a telephone, the receiver of which is at 1, and a group of automatic selective calls in a box 2. These-calls (hereinafter described) are connected on one side to ground through a battery 3 and on the other side between two appropriate impedance coils 4, 5, to the line. The opposite sides of the coils 4, 5, are connected to the two sides of a through telephone-telegraph circuit, 6, 7 whereby the despatchers oflice A is placed in communication with the various stations along the road, two'of which are indicated at B, C. The opposite ends of the .wires 6, 7, are grounded through appropriate'imped-. ance coils 8, Other circuit arrangements may be provided in this connection without departing from my invention. I

At each signal Station along the line 6,-7, there is provided a proper relay 10 in shunt with a non-inductive resistance 11. Such relaymay or may not be used in connection with telegraphic instruments. At each station is placed any appropriate selective signal instrument, 12, responsive to electric imr pulses properly timed. These selective instruments may be of any well' known construction as, for instance, that shown in my Patent No. 906,523,.dated Dec. 15th, 1908. The local circuit for operating each instrument 12 is provided by a local battery 13 and is connected to the instrument by terminals 14. Th'is local circuit is closed by the armature 15 of'the relay 1O comingin contact with the forward contact piece; Opera.- tion of the selective instrument brings the two terminals '16, into momentary electrical connection with each other. The detailswhereby this may be accomplished arewell known in a variety of instruments and forms 1908. A sufficient explanabe given here to make clear thereto of my present im- Signaling Systems, is a specification.

1y present improvement has relation to an improved system for automatically sendtoindividual stations of a group, whereby the necessary combinations of electric impulses may be quickly of which the following liability to mistake.

My invention also relates to an improved answer-back device whereby one who sends a signal is at once made aware of his success y invention also relates to an improved and highly convenient means whereby the The present improvement is illustrated in. the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a front elevation of an automatic signal boXpa-rtly equipped, Fig. 2 is a vertical section on the plane a-b in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is an elevation partly in section of the-polarized circuit controller, Figs. 4 and 5 are like views of a portion ofthe same, showing different positions of the agram of the equipment for a sending station and two receiving stations, and Figs. 7 and 8 are diagrams of circuits described hereinafter.

My invention may be used in connection with any system of communication and is well adapted to all kinds of telegraphic and telephonic systems. It is particularlyuseful, however, in connection withtelegrapl'iic or telephonic train despatching; ,and I have therefore illustrated the same in that con-. nection herein. I do not limit myself, how-. ever, to use of my improvement in connecnication.

In Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings I have sho'wnm'y System as applied to a: telephonic system on which standard telegraph d Sounders can be used terminals 16am thus connected, circuit fromlocal battery'l'3 will be closed through one coil l7 of-a olarized electro-magnet 17, 18 the details ot which are shown in Figs. 8 to 5. The poles ofthis magnet are placed close to an armature l9, pivoted which armature .'tilts one way or the other according to which of the two COIlS 17,18 is energized.

ing application for patent Serial 0. 415,513,

or NEW YORK, N. Y.,.Al\1D ORLO J. HAMLIN, or S ETHPOET,

no part of the present invention. VVh'en the between them,

One side of both coils, 17 18, and the armature 19 are in permanent connection-with the frame of the magnet and with one pole of the battery 13. Insulated from this framework, a supporting plate 20 is placed over the armature 19, and'carries a binding post 21 to which is fastened a long contact spring 22 which is permanently connected by wire bell 25, or other appropriate signaling device. The free end of the spring 22 bears upon a vertically movable pin 26 which passes through the plate 20. One end of the armature 19 carries a small spring 27 adapted to bear upon the pin 26 when that end of the armature is raised. This spring is useful in preservingfirm contact with the pin 26, in spite .of the vibration caused by the bell 25, or other disturbance. The oppo' site end of the armature, when raised bears upon insulation 28 on the binding post 21,

or any other appropriate stop.

' from it is a terminal post Supported upon'the plate 20 and insulated 29 againstwhich the free end of the spring 22 is adapted to hear when lifted by the pin 26. This post 29 is connected by wire 30, through a condenser 31, to. one side of the 'main line circuit 6, 7 In the arrangement shown at station B the other side of the line is connected by wire 32 to that terminal of the bell at :line, but they which circuit is automatically brokenin/the usual way. In the arrangement shown at 0, both the terminal 33 and the post 29 are connected to the same side, 7, of the main are connected on opposite sides of the resistance 11. In either case the cons'truction o erates substantially as hereinafter descri ed. Either of these specific arrangements may be used in an entire system.

As before stated, one side of the magnet coil 18 is connected to the framework and to one side of the battery 13. The opposite pole of said battery is connected to the oppo site end of the coil 18 through the push but:

, ton 3a or an equivalent device.

' as is above described is as The operation of so much of my invention follows -When the appropriate impulses are sent over the line 6 or 7 to the relays thereon, the instrument 12 at the proper station operates to close circuit through the coil 17 at that station. This causes the armature 19 to take the extreme position shown in Fig. 4, whereby the pin 26 is lifted against the spring 22, which it pushes against the post 29. Two

independent circuits are thus made-one leading from' the battery 13 through the frame of the magnets 1718, spring 22, wire 23, to the terminal of the signal'25, thence through the armature of the signal 25, terminal 33 and the coils of the signal 'back to the battery 13. The closingofthis circuit actuates the signal 25 from the battery 13. The other circuit leads from the battery 13 23 to one terminal 24 of the ordinary very shortly after it leaving the despatcher still maintained at .wishes to discontinue 'This latter circuit connects the coils of the local signal across opposite sides of the main line and the momentary opening and closing thereof produces an audible humming or buzzing in the answer-back receiving instrument located in the calling station. Inasmuch as the closing of circuit between the terminals 16 of the selective instrument 12 is only momentary, the coil 17 is deenergized has acted and then the resilience of the spring 22 and the weight of the pin 26 act to bring the armature 19 into the position shown in Fig. 5. This opens the circuit through 29 and thus interrupts the answer back buzzing at the telephone 1, free to use the line. The circuit through the bell 25, however, is

the spring 22 .still bears on the pin 26, which is still in contact with the armature 19. When the attention of the operator at the station called has been attracted and he the action of such signal, he closes the circuit through the magnet coil-18 at the switch 34, which may occupy any convenient location. This causes the armature 19 to take the position shown in Fig. 3, breaking the bell circuit at 26, 2?,

and leavingthe entire apparatus lI1 COIHlI- tion for a repeated operation.

It is within the scope of my present invention to operate the various selective devices 12 by hand, butI prefer to use as a part of the equipment at the despatchers office anumber of calling instruments, by operating one or another of which, one or another selective instrument 12 may be exclusively operated. A variety of devices may be used in this connection, but the prethe station called, because ferred construction for this purpose is shown in Figs. 1, 2, 7 and 8. As shown, the box 2, preferably made of insulating material, con tains a number of calling instruments side by side, which are connected electrically as hereinafter described. Each callinginstrument comprises a suitable framework 35, axle 37. This spring can be wound up by a suitable handle, 38, preferably removable from the squared end of the axle 37. A stop sector 39 is fixed on the axle37 so as to turn with it, and the outer circular edge of this sector lies normally in the'path of a pin 40,

on the make-and-break wheel 41. The wheel 41 is mounted upon a shaft 42 carrying the pinion 43 which meshes with the gear 44- on the shaft 37. The movement of the malaand break wheelwhen released is controlled by the escapement 45, or erp ivalent retardsupporting a main spring 36 on the main ing means, connected to the shaft 42 by a train of gears, substantially as shown. A long movable contact spring 46 is fixed over the wheel 41 and isiin permanent electric; connection with the framework 35. It is "provided with an angle-piece 47 whosetip .extends into the path 'of movement of the teeth on the make and break wheel 41, so that as this latter revolves'in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1, the spring is recurrently lifted into contact with the fixed terminal 48.

My improvement may be used either on a normally open circuit system or a normally closed circuit. Where used with a normally open circuit the parallel arc arrangement of the various instruments shown in Fig. 7 will be used. With normally closed" circuit, on

the contrary, the instruments are connected in series as shown in Fig. 8.

Where the instruments are used in multiple arc, the arrangement will be substan-' tially as shown in Fi s. 1 and 2. In this form, two diametricall opposite corners of.

Teach framework are secured to the box 2 by the long bolts 49, 50, the bolt 49 being insulated from the framework and from all the parts except the terminal 48, while the post .connected to the battery 3 and the other to 50 is in direct electrical connection with said framework. Under or behind the box 2 all the bolts 49 are mutually connected as by a metal band or-strap 51, secured to said bolts by nuts 52. A similar connecting band 53 is secured to all .of the posts or bolts 50, by the nuts54. One of'said bands should be the wire which leadsto the coils 4 and'5.. (See. Fig. 6.) Where it is desired to use'a normally closed circuit system the bands 51 and 53 can be connected accordingly by 0b vious modifications of their arrangement'for connection in series as shown in Fig. 8.

The teeth on the make and break wheel of the various calling instruments. in a group at the despatchers oflice will'be respectively arranged'in such positions that, the current impulses set up by contacts between 46, 48' in each instrument will correspond to those necessary for exclusively operating one of the selective instruments 12. Each instrument 12 will correspond to an appropriate calling-device in the box 2. i

In operating any oneof the automatic calls, the shaft 37 is turned by the handle 38 so as to Wind the spring 36 and, at the same spring 36 actstlir ou'gh said gear and the pinion 43 to turn the make and break wheel 7 to its initial position so that thesector is in place to receive the impact -of the pin40 and stop the train of Wheels." Thus'a single revolution ofthe wheel '41 is produced, and the corresponding makes and breaks between 46 and 48 act'to cause operation of thecorresponding signal '12.

By providing a separate calling instrument for each station, arranged substantially as described,'all thought on'the' part of the operator is made unnecessary and it is only necessary for him to turn the handle corresponding to the station desired.

Various changes may be made in my devices without departing from the scope of my present invention, and I "do not limit myself to'the details herein shown and described. a

What I claim isl. A calling instrument,.a" main line circuit, a local circuit and an answer back receiving instrument near said calling instru- .ment; in combination with a number of selective signaling instruments along said'main line adapted to produce momentary closure of said local circuit, an electr c slgnalmg 'deviceon said local circuit an answer back branch circuit connected with said signaling device and with said main line, and means controlled by operation ofsaid selective signaling instrument for momentarily closing said answer back branch circuit, substantially as described. I

2. In combination, a selectivesi-gnaling instrument, a local signal' circuit, an answerback circuit, a momentary circuit closer in said answer-back circuit, a permanent circuit closer in said local'signal circuit, and a common motive means for said two circuitclosers' controlled by said selective signaling instrument.

'3; :In combination, a selective signaling instrument', an elect-ro-magnetic signaling device, a local generatorya circuit for the signaling device including said local generator,

.an' answer back circuit including said local generator and the coils of the e-lectro-magnetic signaling-device, and means controlled by said selective signaling instrument for operating both said signaling device and said answer back circuit.

4. In combination, a signal circuit including a local battery, an answer back circuit, amo-vable armature and an electro-magnetic coil; means associated therewith for causing it to move said armature in one direction 'andwto c'au'seit to produce a momentary closure of sald-answer back circuit, and a prolonged closure of said signal circuit, and a second-electro-magnetic coil adapted to move Saidarmatu're in the opposite directionto open said signal circuit.

5 In combination, a. local battery, a local signal connected therewith, an armature also connected therewith, a movableeontact arm connected with said signalv and having" its free end in thepath ofmovement of said armature, an answer back circuit including a contact terminal near said arm, an electromagnetic coil arranged to move said armature to press said arm against said contact movable armature and an electro-magnetic.

coil, means associated therewith for causing it to move said armature in one direction and to cause itto produce a momentary closure of said answer-back circuit and a prolonged closure of said signal circuit, and a second electro-magnetic coil adapted to move said armature in the opposite direction to open said signal circuit.

7. In combination, a local battery, a local signal. connected therewith, an armature also connected'therewith, a movable contact arm connected'with said signal and having its free end in the path of movement of said armature, an answer-back circuit including a contact terminal near said arm, an electromagnetic coil arranged to move said armature in one-direction to press said arm against said contact, a selective instrument for momentarily energizing said electro-inagnetic coil, a second electro magneticcoil for nio\-'- ing sa-id armature in the opposite direction, and means for closing-circuit through said second electro-m'agnetic coil, substantially as described. 8. A local signal circuit, a branch answer back circuit, and a selective instrument for controlling both; in combination with a twm coil magnet having one coil in operative relation with said selective instrument, means for closing circuitthrmigh the second coil, an armature pivoted in the middle with its twovends opposite the two coils of said magnet, along spring having its free end opposite one end of said armature, a fixed contact terminal behind said spring, said local signal circuit and answer-back branch being in circuit with said armature, spring and fixed terminal, substantially as described.

9. In combination, a selective signaling inst-run' ent, a local generator and a signal circuit including the same, an answer back circuit including the local generator and a part of the signalcircuit, said answerback circuit being connected with the main line, and means controlled by said selective signaling instrument for causing momentary closure of said answer back circuit.

1.0. In combination, a source of current supply, a selective signalinginstrument,'a circuit for the local signal, alocal signaling device therein adapted to set up undulatory electric impulses when operated, an answ'erback circuit adapted to receive said undulatory' electric impulses, and means controlledby said selective signaling device for momen- -;tarily closing said answer-back circuit and permanently closing the circuit for the local signals 11. In combination with a signal circuit and .an answer-back circuit; a spring, a movable armature arranged to close said signal circuit when in contact with said spring, a terminal in said answer-back C11- cuit, and an elect-ro-magnet adapted to cause said armature to push said spring against said terminal when energized and to let the spring and armature move together away from said terminal when deenergized, substantially as described.

12. In combination, a main line circuit, a local signal circuit, a signaling device in said local circuit adapted to produce when operated rapid changes of potential at its terminals, an answer-back circuit connecting the terminals of said signaling 'device ,tosaid main line, means operatively connected to said main line circuit for closing the said answer-back circuit, and a device for receiving answer back signals connected to said main line, substantially as described.

13;In combination, a main line circuit, a selective signaling instrument adapted to be controlled'over said main-line circuit, a local signaliiig circuit controlled by said selective signaling instrument,'a signaling device in said local circuit producing when operated rapid changes of potential across its terminals, an answer-backcircuit connecting' the terminals of said signaling device to the main line, a device for receiving answer back signals connected to said main line and an automatic switch in said answerback circuit, substantially as described.

14. In combination, a main line circuit and local signal circuit, a'ge'neiator in 'said local circuit, a signaling. device in said local circuit adapted to produce when operatedrapid ch'anges of potential at its tern'iina'ls, an answer back circuit including the generator and the coils of said signaling device, said answer back circuitbeing connected with the main line, and a device for rcceiw ing answer back signals connected to said line.

15. I combination, a in'iain line circuit and locaflp s gnal; a circuit for the local signal including a. generator, selective signaling means-connected in the main line adapted to close the circuitof 's'aid local signal, an answer back circuit including the local generator and the coils of'lhe signaling device, and a device connected in the/line tor receiving such answer back signals.

16. A signaling system, comprising a main line, selective apparat-u's ope 'ated from Cir the main line, an electro-magneticsignaling naling device, and a circuit closer operated by said selective device for naling circuit. t

17. A signaling system comprising in combination a ]ine, selecting means connected in said line, a local signal and a generator in" circuit therewith, an answer back circuit, including the generator andsaid local signal, connected with the line and adapted to be closed by said selecting means whereby the operation of the local signal will cause impulses of variable potential to be impressed upon the main line to produce an answer back signal, and answer back receiving means.

18. In a signaling system, the combinaclosing the sigtion with a line connecting a callingand a called station, of an instrument at the calling station for impressing signaling impulses upon the line, selective apparatus operated from the main line in accordance with the signaling impulses impressed thereon by said instrument, an electromagnetic signaling device, a circuit for said signaling device, including a local generator, a circuit closer operated by said selective device for closing said signaling circuit, and an answer back circuit including the local generator and coils of the electromagnetic signaling device connected with the main line, adapted to transmit thereto impulses of variable potential when said cal signal is ope ated, and answer back receivingmeans.

EDWIN n. GILL.

. Witnesses F. F. CRAMPTON, M. A. BUTLER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents.

Washington, I). C. 

